So we all know that Valentine's Day is the LOVE holiday. Romance is definitely a part of that and you and your husband probably have plans to celebrate on the weekend (because, really, who is able to go out for a romantic evening on a weeknight when the kids have homework and need baths and you have to get up for work the next day?). But the fact is, kids LOVE Valentine's Day (pun intended).

They pass out cute little Valentines cards to their classmates at school parties, they make paper hearts, giggle over the messages on those candy hearts and gobble up chocolate like candy bars aren’t available to them every day. Teenagers attend Sweetheart Dances and give each other cheap heart jewelry and stuffed bears that say cheesy things like, “I love you beary much.”

So what are some things we, as moms, can do to add our own special touch to Valentines Day while expressing our love for our family? 

Valentine's Day Breakfast and Lunch from the Heart

To start the day off with a bang, make heart-shaped pancakes or French toast. Cut red napkins into hearts and add strawberry flavored syrup to their milk to give it a pink tinge.

Assuming your kids are brown bagging it today, be creative while packing their lunch. Cut their sandwich or slice of cold pizza in the shape of a heart. Buy heart-shaped Valentines snack cakes. Want a healthy alternative? Slice a banana the night before and cut tiny hearts from each one. Freeze overnight. By lunch time the next day, the bananas will be just right for a bite-sized treat. Roll in chocolate before freezing for some extra “yum!”

Valentine's Day Love Notes

Delight your child by leaving notes in places they’re sure to see them. Cut out paper hearts and write a special message on each one. Put one on the bathroom mirror, in the drawer next to their toothbrush, in their lunch bag, in their homework folder, on the computer screen, in their video game case.

• Romantic version: My husband often leaves me notes on Valentines Morning with sweet (and sometimes naughty) messages that always make me smile. For example, he puts one on the shower faucet that says, “You turn me on.” Or on the lamp that says, “You light up my life.” Or on the coffee pot with the message, “Dripping with love for you.” Or on my car steering wheel that says, “You drive me wild!” Be creative!
• You've Got Mail: These days, most of us have our own email address - kids included. There are many wonderful FREE e-card sites out there in cyberspace. Take advantage of them! Send personalized Valentines Day e-cards to each member in your family to express your love for them electronically.
• Simple Conversation - Buy a bag of conversational candy hearts and use them to communicate in a fun way. Write a letter to your husband and kids, rebus style, and use the hearts in place of certain words. Set a personalized letter next to each plate at dinner time.

Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas

• Make them see red: Use a red tablecloth and light red colored (and yummy scented) candles. Add red and white napkins. Freeze red punch in your ice cube tray and add to sparkling water. Sprinkle the table with red candies or confetti.
• For dessert: I have a heart-shaped cake pan (bought at the dollar store) in which I make cherry flavored Jell-o and top with cool whip. Add some red & pink sprinkles for a yummy and low-fat dessert.
• After Dinner Fun: Play checkers, or any board game, using red and silver Hersheys Kisses as game pieces. Watch a love-themed video. Cheaper by the Dozen comes to mind, as it has an overwhelming message of family love and togetherness. Other possibilities include The Parent Trap, High School Musical, A Cinderella Story, Lady and the Tramp, and Shrek.

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